Judge Tests Video Arraignments

Knox County Criminal Court Judge Steven Sword is testing a new video teleconferencing system for suspect arraignments, WBIR reports. In the past, he says it could take weeks just to get the initial hearing with the courts if a suspect is being held in a jail across the state. The new system, which cost about $10,00 in equipment, wiring, and technology upgrades, has been showing benefits, Judge Sword said. "The time that it saves is one thing. But on top of that, if you're not transporting prisoners across the state, think about all the gas money that you're saving," he added. "This is going to save, at a minimum, tens of thousands of dollars."